Cuba offers trade and dialogue with US while warning against military action

Statements at the United Nations General Assembly

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez addressed the United Nations General Assembly on 26 September 2026, presenting Havana's position on bilateral relations with Washington. Rodríguez stated that Cuba hopes an armed intervention by the United States never occurs. He asserted that if military action were to materialize, Cuba would exercise its legitimate right to defend itself with all its determination and energy. The foreign minister warned that an intervention would constitute a crime of great magnitude, resulting in the deaths of Cuban citizens and young American soldiers alongside widespread physical destruction. He emphasized that the Cuban government remains conscious of the intense challenges confronting the nation's security and continued survival amid persistent threats of military force.

White House response and diplomatic posture

United States President Donald Trump addressed the situation during comments to reporters at the White House on 26 September 2026, indicating that he does not believe military intervention will be required against the Caribbean nation. Trump stated that Washington and Havana will reach an agreement rather than enter into an armed conflict. His remarks followed a report by CBS News on 24 September 2026 indicating that United States officials were preparing potential military options regarding Cuba. Trump stated that his administration seeks to assist the island and open it up, noting that many Cuban-Americans wish to return to their country of origin.

We want to help Cuba. We want to open Cuba to our people.

Energy sanctions and bilateral pressure

The diplomatic exchanges follow months of strict economic measures imposed by Washington against Havana throughout 2026. The United States government instituted an energy blockade in January 2026 designed to restrict all fuel shipments to the island by using intimidation and coercion against international suppliers. Trump has publicly stated that his strategic objective is to bring about a change of government in Cuba. Rodríguez condemned these measures during his address, characterizing United States policy as permanent, abusive, and ruthless hostility that deliberately deprives the island of fuel and exacerbates domestic economic hardships.

Economic reforms and conditions for talks

Despite the ongoing confrontation over sanctions, Rodríguez announced before the international assembly that Cuba is prepared to establish commercial and business relations with private American firms on the same footing as enterprises from other nations.

We are open to commercial and business relations with United States companies just as we are with any other country.

Rodríguez linked this commercial stance to the ongoing rollout of 176 economic reforms approved in Cuba in June 2026. The measures seek to liberalize and decentralize state-dominated economic structures while continuing the process of socialist construction. The foreign minister reiterated that Havana remains prepared to engage in diplomatic talks to resolve bilateral disputes, provided that Washington abandons preconditions and coercive practices.

We have always been and remain willing to engage in dialogue with the United States government to try to find a solution to bilateral differences on the basis of seriousness, respect, sovereign equality, observance of international law, without interference in internal affairs or preconditions.